Student goals: Learn how to identify and apply key terms and equations relative to physical science; solve basic mathematical problems

Time required: 40 minutes

Materials required:
On the Move student reproducible 2 (PDF); pen or pencil; computer (if available)

Directions:

1. As a class, review how electrical circuits work and the relationship between electricity and energy. Discuss how train engines use fuel to move a generator, which creates electrical current that moves the train. Visit http://travel.howstuffworks.com/diesel-locomotive.htm for more information and diagrams.

2. Distribute On the Move student reproducible 2 (PDF) and read it aloud as a class. Review any new concepts and have students complete each question individually or in pairs.

3. As a class, review students’ answers.
(Answer Key: 1. a; 2. b; 3. a; 4. b; 5. b.)

Wrap-up:
Ask students to write 2–3 new multiple choice questions, working in pairs. Have student pairs exchange questions to help practice their test-taking skills. You may want to compile a complete list of questions to share with the entire class.

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Photo Credits: Photo courtesy of Amtrak.